Art as Therapy: Creative Rest  - Four Day Intensive

Art-as-Therapy: Creative Rest is a therapeutic arts series that explores rest as an essential part of our daily lives. Inspired by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s research around seven types of rest, you will be guided by professional art therapists through a curated series of art invitations that explore self-reflection, nervous system regulation, and personal boundaries. This is a space where you are invited to release your inner-critic and engage with art-making in a new way. You will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of materials and deepen your personal connection to rest through creativity.

The practice of Art Therapy exists on a continuum and this workshop series will explore Art-As-Therapy, a non-clinical model of creating in community and approaching art-making through a non-judgemental lens. Therapeutic art is a process-oriented practice that centers curiosity and self-expression. These workshops will not focus on honing artistic skills or creating a final image or product. Instead, we’ll be discovering how an art gallery can support your needs.

Note: This series will include a gallery visit to Kazuo Nakamura: Blue Dimension.

Overview:

Day 1: Introduction to Therapeutic Arts

Day 2: Visual Reflections of Rest

Day 3: Creative Rest 

Day 4: Putting Rest into Practice

Media provided over the course of the week:

Watercolour, paint sticks, pastels, crayons, pens, graphite, markers, collage material, fabric

Katherine Yao Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Katherine is a professional art psychotherapist and visual artist with a background in illustration and design. She holds a diploma in Art Psychotherapy from the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy (CiiAT) and a Bachelor of Design in Illustration from OCAD University. In addition to art therapy, she works as a part-time art instructor, combining her expertise in art and her experience with children to foster emotional growth through creative expression. Katherine takes a person-centered approach to art therapy, valuing supportive and nurturing environments that encourage self-exploration and personal growth. IG: @katyao.art | www.katyaoart.com

Rachel Mae Robbins Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Rachel Mae is a professional art therapist and visual artist dedicated to supporting adults through individual psychotherapy and therapeutic groups. With over 16 years of experience leading arts education and community engagement, she draws on a blend of clinical training and creative leadership in her practice. Her career has included managing teams and designing impactful programs at organizations including Toronto Symphony Orchestra, TO Live, and Nova Dance. Through therapeutic art facilitation, Rachel has worked with groups including newcomers to Canada, people in supportive housing with lived experience of chronic homelessness, and dance artists exploring creative care practices. Rachel takes an eclectic approach to individual art psychotherapy that is somatic (body-based), trauma-informed, and person-centered.

IG: @maeandyouart.therapy | www.maeandyouart.com